Radico Khaitan is a Delhi based liquor company, run by father and son duo – Lalit Khaitan and Abhishek Khaitan. Radico Khaitan is amongst the oldest and largest manufacturers of Indian Made Foreign Liquor.
Radico Khaitan stands out as a trailblazer in the world of spirits, boasting an impressive lineup of brands like the Rampur Single Malt Whisky, 8PM Whisky, Magic Moments Vodka, Contessa Rum, and the Old Admiral Brandy.
Radico Khaitan’s history and its journey
Radico Khaitan previously known as Rampur Distillery & Chemical Company Ltd., stands as an Indian enterprise specializing in the production of industrial alcohol, Indian Made Foreign Liquor, country liquor, and fertilizers. As the fourth-largest liquor company in India, Radico Khaitan has carved its niche in the industry by delivering a diverse range of products that cater to various segments of the market. Radico’s brands find their way to consumers in over 85 nations around the globe
Back in 1943, Radico Khaitan kickstarted its journey under the name Rampur Distillery & Chemical Company Ltd. in the vibrant city of Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. Initially focusing on crafting extra neutral alcohol (ENA), the distillery played a crucial role in supplying bulk alcohol to various liquor companies.
In 1972, Lalit Khaitan’s father, G. N. Khaitan made a significant move by acquiring the struggling Rampur Distillery from Vishnu Hari Dalmia for ₹1.6 million. Fast forward to 1979, the turnover reached an impressive ₹6.5 million. It wasn’t until 1999 that the company decided to take the plunge into creating its own brands, marking a significant milestone in its evolution. Rampur Distillery, located in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, is Radico Khaitan’s first and largest distillery, with a production capacity of 125 million litres per annum.
Interestingly, despite being in the liquor business, Lalit Khaitan‘s father remained a teetotaller throughout his life. It’s worth noting that Lalit himself had never experienced the taste of alcohol until his father took ownership of the distillery. Fast forward to 1995, G. N. Khaitan decided to distribute the family business, encompassing construction, real estate, liquor industries, and more, among his four sons. Lalit Khaitan inherited the relatively small liquor division.
Radico Khaitan Limited is proud to have been a Celebration Partner at the India Today Indo-Japan Conclave, 2023. The glorious event took place at The Oberoi in New Delhi on November 30. Radico’s private bar graced the celebration of the two nations with premium spirits and fit… pic.twitter.com/Wi1qs2i0HT
— Radico Khaitan (@radicokhaitan) December 11, 2023
Radico Khaitan introduced its inaugural IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) brand in 1999, and it’s none other than the popular 8 PM whisky, now proudly standing as Radico’s flagship brand. Abhishek Khaitan shares the interesting tidbit behind the name selection, stating that the company opted for “8” as it symbolizes simplicity, and, in the context of India, where the brand originated, because “people usually start drinking at 8 pm.” It’s a unique and thoughtful choice that adds a touch of charm to the brand’s identity.
In November 2005, Radico made a spirited entry into the vodka scene with the introduction of Magic Moments vodka, crafted from quality grains. Simultaneously, Radico Khaitan’s PET division, kickstarted in 2003, has been busy creating a diverse array of PET bottles and jars.
